Chapter 23 — Sunlight on the Red Book

One week after the high tide, when the remedial work was basically completed, Ha Vy received a surprise call from Trinh Thi Hong Loan, who had previously provided important information about Mr. Tran Dinh Thang. "Miss Vy, I have new information to share," Ms. Loan said, her voice somewhat nervous. "After hearing about the recent high tide at Con Sen, I remembered that my father had mentioned that the area near the riverbank where you were conducting a review also had a similar problem with boundary adjustment, directly related to the drainage system and dykes."

That information made Ha Vy pay special attention. "Can you be more specific? This could be an important clue, especially given the high tide we just experienced."

"My father once said that some important dike sections had their areas narrowed during the measurement process, to make way for the expansion of farmland by some households who had close relationships with cadastral officials at that time," Ms. Loan recounted, her voice cautious. "This may partly explain why some areas were much more susceptible to flooding than others during the recent high tide."

Hearing that information, Ha Vy immediately realized the importance of the problem. This is not simply a normal land boundary dispute, but may be directly related to the safety of people's lives and property in similar natural disasters that may occur in the future.

She immediately reported this information to Mr. Tran Quoc Hung, proposing to expand the scope of the review to include inspection of the dyke and drainage systems in areas where boundary deviations had previously been detected. "This is an extremely important discovery," Mr. Hung commented, his voice serious. "If it is true that there is a connection between the land boundary adjustment and the dyke system, we need to comprehensively review it to ensure long-term safety for people."

The technical team was immediately mobilized to conduct a detailed survey of the dyke system in relevant areas. Preliminary survey results confirm Ha Vy's concerns — in some sections, the actual width of the dike has been significantly narrowed compared to the original technical design, which is the reason why these areas are more vulnerable to the pressure of water flow during high tides.

"This is truly a discovery of vital significance," Dang Khoa commented when informed of the survey results, his tone serious. "If not resolved promptly, stronger storm surges in the future could cause much more serious consequences than what we just experienced."

Ha Vy and the working group quickly made a plan to propose repairs and reinforcement of the entire dyke system in the affected areas, in accordance with the initially prescribed technical standards. This proposal was submitted to the District People's Committee, accompanied by sufficient evidence and specific survey data, as a basis for applying for funding support from the state budget.

"I believe, with convincing evidence like this, our proposal will soon be approved," Mr. Hung said, his voice full of optimism. "This will be a meaningful long-term project, not only solving the immediate problem, but also ensuring sustainable safety for the whole community for many years to come."

While waiting for the approval decision from superiors, Ha Vy and Dang Khoa organized a small community meeting, inviting representatives of households living along the affected dyke route to attend, to announce the upcoming recovery plan, and at the same time listen to people's opinions and practical experiences in responding to natural disasters over the years.

"We hope that this reinforcement plan will truly meet the actual needs of people, not simply numbers on paper," Ha Vy said before the meeting, her voice sincere. "Therefore, we look forward to receiving practical contributions and sharing from those who have lived closely with this area for generations."

An elderly man, who has lived in Con Sen since childhood, shared his memories of past high tides that he had witnessed. "In the seventies and nineties, this area was also heavily flooded several times," he said, his voice thoughtful and nostalgic. "But it has never been as serious as the last one. Perhaps, as you said, the dyke system has been much weaker than before."

These honest sharing and rich practical experiences help Ha Vy and the technical team gain more valuable information to complete the reinforcement plan, ensuring feasibility and long-term effectiveness, not just based on simple technical theory.

Two weeks later, good news was officially announced — the District People's Committee approved a plan to comprehensively reinforce the dyke system in the affected areas, with funds allocated from the province's natural disaster prevention budget. "This is a big victory for the Con Sen community," Mr. Tran Quoc Hung announced at the celebration meeting, his voice filled with excitement. "The project is expected to be completed before next year's stormy season begins, ensuring long-term safety for the entire area."

That news spread joy throughout Con Sen commune, especially to the families who were most severely affected by the recent high tide. Mr. Sau Tam, when he heard the news, could not hide his emotions. "Finally, the concerns of people over the years have been listened to and thoroughly resolved," he told Ha Vy when she visited to announce the good news. "Thank you, son, for your continuous efforts for the peaceful life of this whole community."

"This is the effort of many people, sir," Ha Vy replied, her voice humble. "I am just a small link in a whole system that has worked together for the safety and happiness of the people of Con Sen."

That evening, when Ha Vy shared all this positive development with Dang Khoa, he could not hide his pride and emotion. "You turned a seemingly small discovery from an old map, into an entire project that protects the safety of the entire community," he said, his eyes filled with admiration. "It's truly been an incredible journey."

"I never thought things could go this far," Ha Vy replied, her voice thoughtful, looking back at the entire journey that had passed. "From a small question about land boundaries, to the discovery of a whole system of violations involving many localities, and now a large-scale dyke reinforcement project. I think, sometimes, the most meaningful things start from the smallest details that we do not expect."

Dang Khoa smiled slightly and held her hand tightly. “And I believe that's why your work is so important,” he said. "Not everyone is meticulous and steadfast enough to see the great things hidden behind such seemingly trivial details."

In the following days, preparations for the dyke reinforcement project were implemented urgently, with the large participation of local people, who now completely trust in the dedication and integrity of Ha Vy and the working group. The Con Sen area, after the rapid events of the past few months, has gradually regained a peaceful and stable rhythm of life, with a firmer belief than ever in a safe future and sustainable development.

One weekend afternoon, when work was temporarily put aside, Ha Vy and Dang Khoa walked along the dike section that had just been marked to prepare for reinforcement, watching the river slowly drifting under the gentle afternoon sunlight. "Looking at this gentle river, it's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, it was rising so fiercely," Ha Vy said, her voice thoughtful.

"Nature always has two sides like that," Dang Khoa replied, his eyes looking far away towards the green coconut groves reflecting on the water. "It is both gentle and nurturing, and can become fierce at any time. The important thing is that people must know how to respect and prepare carefully, to be able to live in harmony with it."

"I think, that is also a valuable lesson that Con Sen taught me," Ha Vy said, smiling slightly. "Not only about work, but also about the way of looking at life, about humility before nature, and about the power of solidarity between people."

Dang Khoa squeezed her hand, the two of them quietly continued walking on the dike, towards the gradually falling sunset, dyeing the sky of Con Sen orange, bringing with them a feeling of complete peace after all the troubles they had gone through together.